Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan who was facing a death sentence in Saudi Arabia, has spoken for the first time about his excitement at returning home, as well as thanking Kenyans of goodwill.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the seemingly excited Stephen said that being home was nothing short of a miracle.

Munyakho arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 12.50 am and was welcomed by his family, friends, and government officials. He said he was grateful to be alive and to have another chance at life.

Grateful to be home

“I’m glad to be back home in Kenya. My presence here today is nothing short of a miracle, and I want to begin by thanking Allah for the gift of life,” Munyakho said.

He added that he would need some time to rest and reorganise himself before speaking more about what he had gone through.

“I’m grateful to Allah for this second chance that I have been granted. It’s wonderful to be back home, but please allow me some time to rest,” he said.

Munyakho also thanked the many Kenyans and friends from around the world who contributed and prayed for his release.

“I thank everyone who prayed and contributed towards my freedom. In your tens of thousands,” he said.

A long journey to freedom

Munyakho had been working in Saudi Arabia as a warehouse manager when a dispute with a colleague turned tragic in April 2011. He was first sentenced to five years for manslaughter, but the decision was later changed to a death sentence after an appeal.

He was released on July 22, 2025, after the family of the deceased accepted diya (blood money), as allowed under Sharia law.

The Bring Back Stevo Strategy Committee, which played a major role in securing his freedom, praised the support of Kenyans and donors who helped raise the Ksh150 million diya.

The Muslim World League paid the largest share of the amount.

Munyakho’s return has been welcomed as a success story of unity, prayer, and hope.

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